01: The new Silk Road in a global context

This seminar explores various dimensions of the Chinese initiative to re-invigorate the silk routes. “One Belt, One Road” may be one of the most ambitious development projects ever as it impacts on roughly two thirds of the world’s population and traverses several conflict zones. While clearly strategic in nature, it draws on market forces and proceeds without a pre-established negotiating framework. It has encountered enthusiastic support and passionate objection. We will explore the economic and political opportunities and risks for some of the major global stakeholders, including those in Central Asia, the EU, India and the US, and sketch out their potential for interpersonal and cross-cultural contact.